What are old words called that are no longer widely used?

Asked by: Dr. Hardy Veum  |  Last update: September 13, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (64 votes)

An archaic word or sense is one that still has some current use but whose use has dwindled to a few specialized contexts, outside which it connotes old-fashioned language. In contrast, an obsolete word or sense is one that is no longer used at all. A reader encounters them when reading texts that are centuries old.

What is it called when a word isn't used anymore?

Some common synonyms of obsolete are ancient, antiquated, antique, archaic, old, and venerable.

What is a word that is no longer in use called?

obsolete (adjective as in no longer in use, in vogue)

What Old English words are no longer used?

18 Amazing English words we've totally forgotten about
  • Twirlblast. A tornado, according to people in the 1700s. ...
  • Chork. The act of making the sound your shoes make when you're walking in them and they're full of water.
  • Interrobang. ...
  • Groaning-cheese. ...
  • Uglyography. ...
  • Ultracrepidarian. ...
  • Trumpery. ...
  • Throttlebottom.

What are words we don't use anymore?

7 English words that nobody uses anymore (but totally should)
  • Facetious. Pronounced “fah-see-shuss”, this word describes when someone doesn't take a situation seriously, which ironically is very serious indeed. ...
  • Henceforth. ...
  • Ostentatious. ...
  • Morrow. ...
  • Crapulous. ...
  • Kerfuffle. ...
  • Obsequious.

If you know these 15 Words, your English is AMAZING!

15 related questions found

What are outdated words called?

An archaic word or sense is one that still has some current use but whose use has dwindled to a few specialized contexts, outside which it connotes old-fashioned language. In contrast, an obsolete word or sense is one that is no longer used at all.

What is agastopia?

New Word Suggestion. n. – admiration of a particular part of someone's body.

What does apricity mean?

It's 'apricity' which describes the warmth of the sun in winter. It comes from the Latin word 'apricitas' meaning sunny. It's an old word, but I think we should bring it back!

What is the oldest word still in use?

The oldest words in the English language include "I" and "who", while words like "dirty" could die out relatively quickly, British researchers said Thursday.

Is cattywampus a real word?

(also cattywampus, us/ˌkæt̬.iˈwɑːm.pəs/ uk/ˌkæt.iˈwɒm.pəs/) Add to word list Add to word list. going badly, awkwardly, or in the wrong direction: The script is spoiled by its catawampus rhythms and its lack of consistency and plausibility.

What is a word for no longer using?

obsolete may apply to something regarded as no longer acceptable or useful even though it is still in existence.

What are archaic words?

An archaic word is a word that was once commonly used but is now rarely or never used. Archaic language not only includes old words but old grammatical forms and definitions, as well. Here are some examples of archaic words and archaic language: Amanuenses - this is an old-fashioned word for a secretary.

What is an expression no longer in use old-fashioned word?

A word or phrase that is no longer in everyday use is called an archaism or an obsolete word. Here are some related terms: 1. Archaism: A word, phrase, or expression that was once common but has fallen out of use.

What is a word for old fashioned or obsolete?

old-fashioned (adjective as in antiquated) Strongest matches. ancient antique archaic corny dated odd old old-time outdated outmoded primitive.

What is a word for no longer usable?

expendable futile idle impractical ineffective inoperative meaningless pointless unavailable unproductive unprofitable unworkable worthless.

What is the rarest word?

The 15 most unusual words you'll ever find in English
  • Nudiustertian. ...
  • Quire. ...
  • Yarborough. ...
  • Tittynope. ...
  • Winklepicker. ...
  • Ulotrichous. ...
  • Kakorrhaphiophobia. If you suffer from this, then you would very much rather not have this word appear in a spelling bee, since it describes the fear of failure.
  • Xertz. Who would have imagined it?

What are old words that are not used anymore called?

We can't help but be captivated by these old, “dead” words. These are properly called archaisms. Archaic words (or forms) are “commonly used in an earlier time but rare in present-day usage except to suggest the older time, as in religious rituals or historical novels.”

What is the 1st longest word?

1 Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis (forty-five letters) A lung disease caused by the inhalation of silica or quartz dust.

Which is the only English word that ends with the letters MT?

According to Oxford Dictionaries, 'dreamt' is the only English word that ends with 'mt'. The word's derivatives including undreamt, daydreamt, and redreamt are the only other words that end with the same letters.

What is the meaning of Sonder?

sonder (uncountable) (neologism) The profound feeling of realizing that everyone, including strangers passing in the street, has a life as complex as one's own, which they are constantly living despite one's personal lack of awareness of it.

What does Hiemal mean?

adjective. hi·​emal. ˈhīəməl. : of or relating to winter : wintry.

What does suryast mean?

/sūryāsta/ mn. sunset uncountable noun. Sunset is the time in the evening when the sun disappears.

What is Philozoic?

philozoic (comparative more philozoic, superlative most philozoic) Fond of animals. (rare) Loving one's fellow man; philanthropic.

What is Cingulomania?

𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒍𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒂 (𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒏) : a strong desire to hold a person in one's arms The term was likely first coined by Jacob Edward Schmidt (J.E. Schmidt) for the Lecher's Lexicon (originally published in 1967 and republished in 1984). From Latin cingō (“surround, encompass; gird”) + Greek manía (“madness”).

What means Nemophilist?

Noun. nemophilist (plural nemophilists) (rare) One who is fond of forests or forest scenery; a haunter of the woods.